Bellingham selectman announces bid for county commissioner

Monday

Aug 11, 2014 at 12:01 AM

By Matt TotaDaily News Staff

BELLINGHAM — Current Bellingham Selectman Michael Soter has announced his candidacy for Norfolk County Commissioner, saying he will bring to the office "financial savvy" and experience in local government.

Soter, a Republican, will run against Democratic incumbent Peter Collins of Milton, an attorney who has been a commissioner since 1995, in the Nov. 4 general election.

The other commissioners are Francis O'Brien of Dedham and John Gillis of Quincy.

Three members, elected to four-year terms, serve on the Norfolk County board of commissioners; in general, they’re responsible for enacting and administering local ordinances, approving budgets, overseeing spending and hiring county employees. Commissioners also issue bonds and manage county courts and jails.

The county consists of 27 towns, including Bellingham, Franklin and Medway.

First elected to the Board of Selectmen in 2011, Soter, a sales manager for a national dessert company, said he has worked in Bellingham — a town with one of the highest local unemployment rates in the region — to "keep the town fiscally sound" and attract new businesses.

Soter cited his efforts to lower residential taxes without damaging business growth and to fund the construction of a new police station without the need of a debt exclusion or override.

On the board of commissioners, Soter said he would strive to "be a voice for the entire county and operate with transparency."

"It’s important that my prudent, pro-active and passionate style of leadership gets to another level," said Soter of his decision to run for the office. "And, that level is a Norfolk County Commissioner. It’s time for that commission to be open and to publicize its work and voting record."

Soter, a Worcester native, moved to Bellingham with his wife, Casie, in 2005. They have a young daughter, Alexana. He is a graduate of Nichols College in Dudley.

"I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work for the hard-working residents of Norfolk County," he said.